The City of Sydney announced a new program to support international students through improved health and wellbeing services and increased employability.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the new program, as part of the City’s draft international education action plan, would support the international education sector to enhance global connections and help maintain Sydney’s status as “Australia’s leading education destination”.

“The international student market contributes over $1.6 billion to the local economy and generates demand for more than 10,000 fulltime jobs,” the Lord Mayor said.

“This program is an important step in attracting young people to Sydney and increasing awareness among businesses of the contribution international students can make to Sydney’s talent pool”.

The City will be partnering with the education sector, government agencies and businesses to aid international students to form “lifelong connections” with Sydney.
“International students enhance Sydney’s vibrancy and liveability by contributing to our cultural diversity and building our reputation internationally as a centre for learning, research and innovation. In the long-term, this is a great way of attracting top global talent,” the Lord Mayor said.

The City’s projects include international airport welcome desk, with a $30,000 grant to StudyNSW to help fund the initiative. Volunteers provide maps, local guides, information and advice to help new international students.

Also, education provider wellbeing and safety forums will be held to provide information to the international education sector to help create a safe and positive stay for students.

Moreover, International student guide to Sydney, written by students, will be produced to provide new students with useful information for navigating Sydney, including a city orientation, cultural events listings, dining and leisure activities, safety and wellbeing information.